Less than a tenth of individuals who could benefit from GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy are able to get them, caution the World Health Organization as it publishes its initial guidance on the medications.
Considering more than one billion individuals worldwide currently living with obesity, it is advocating for increased and just availability to GLP-1 medication.
Per projections, over two billion are projected to be obese by 2030 without intervention.
"Our new guidance affirms that obesity is a long-term condition that can be managed with thorough and lifelong care," stated its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
High costs, limited production capacity, and distribution challenges are key obstacles to broad access to the treatments that can aid individuals in losing significant body mass, says the agency.
Skinny Jab Scarcity
Despite the present most optimistic outlook, the production of such drugs could only cover approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of eligible patients, per the health organization.
The recommendation urges nations and manufacturers to expand availability, by approaches such as voluntary licensing.
A patent on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is set to lapse in several countries in 2026.
The Way Obesity Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a biological compound to delay gastric emptying, curb appetite and enhance the sense of being full so individuals reduce food intake.
People usually begin shedding pounds after several weeks of starting on the weekly injections.
Studies points to users may see weight return after a year of stopping the drug, when their usual appetite resume.
To be carrying excess weight elevates your chance for developing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, brain attack, and some malignancies.
Excess weight impacts people in countries worldwide and was associated with 3.7 million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
